8th Science Plate Tectonics

Front

What is Plate Tectonics?

Back

The theory that explains the structure and movement of the Earth's lithosphere, which is divided into tectonic plates that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere.

Front

What are tectonic plates?

Back

Large sections of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact with one another, causing geological phenomena such as earthquakes, volcanoes, and mountain formation.

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What is a convergent plate boundary?

Back

A boundary where two tectonic plates move toward each other, often resulting in one plate being forced beneath another, leading to mountain building or volcanic activity.

Front

What is a divergent plate boundary?

Back

A boundary where two tectonic plates move apart from each other, allowing magma to rise and create new crust, often seen at mid-ocean ridges.

Front

What is a transform plate boundary?

Back

A boundary where two tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally, causing friction and leading to earthquakes.

Front

What is an island arc?

Back

A chain of volcanic islands formed at a convergent plate boundary, where an oceanic plate subducts beneath another oceanic plate.

Front

What evidence supports the theory of plate tectonics?

Back

Fossil distribution, the fit of continental coastlines, geological similarities across continents, and the presence of earthquakes and volcanoes along plate boundaries.

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What is subduction?

Back

The process by which one tectonic plate moves under another plate and sinks into the mantle, often leading to volcanic activity.

Front

What is uplift in geology?

Back

The process by which geological forces raise the Earth's surface, often forming mountains at convergent plate boundaries.

Front

What is the San Andreas Fault?

Back

A major transform fault in California that marks the boundary between the Pacific Plate and the North American Plate.